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The Christian community in Ghana, including some Muslim clerics on Sunday evening [March 21, 2021] converged at the Burma Camp Worship Centre auditorium of The Church of Pentecost in Accra to seek divine intervention against the activities of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Right (LGBTQI+) movement in the country.

The event dubbed the ‘Ecumenical Prayer Rally’ was on the theme, “Homosexuality: A Detestable Sin To God” (Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

The prayer rally was organised by the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference (GCBC), National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC), and all other churches and Christian organisations in Ghana, in collaboration with the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values.

Under the distinguished chairmanship of Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, echelons of the Christian faith in the country led the gathering to pray earnestly for the power of God to stem the activities of the LGBTQI+ movement in Ghana following the recent uproar in the country due to the official opening of the LGBTQI+ office in Accra.

Among the prayer topics was the call for sharper and clearer legislation on LGBTQI+ in the country and the rehabilitation, guidance, and counselling of repentant souls as well as education on proper sexuality.

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, who opened the prayer session, stressed the need for Ghanaians to intensify their prayers for God to rescue the nation from the forces behind the LGBTQI+ movement.

“If there was a time that this nation needed to pray to seek the intervention of God, it is now,” he said, adding, “If we want the country back on morality, then we must get on our knees. The value of prayer no one can measure.”

Giving the purpose for the prayer rally, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana and Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, said that recent events in the country “clearly suggest that the nation is under a siege. What we hear and see coming into our nation is like a siege and we must stand against it. We know that human mind and ideas cannot fight this battle.”

He charged Christians to “speak to God in prayer and the Lord will hear us and come to our rescue.” “We are here to deliver this nation from the hands of the evil one. We know him as the God who hears and answers prayer,” he added as he read from Psalm 91:15; Isaiah 58:9; 65:24, and Luke 11:9, indicating God’s promises to his children.

Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, said that the Coalition views the LGBTQI+ movement in Ghana as “an upfront to our long-cherished religious values, customs, and traditions as well as the laws of the land.

“The actions of the LGBTQI+ is also completely aberrant with the laws and principles of the Almighty God, especially concerning his plan of creation and the sanctity of marriage between man and woman.”

He expressed the Coalition’s appreciation to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for declaring that his administration will never allow the legalisation of same-sex marriages in the country. This declaration, he said, consequently led to the closing down of the offices of the movement, of which the Coalition is grateful to the President.

“We wish, however, to put this forward; we advocate that Ghana’s stand on the LGBTQI+ will be legislated clearly without any ambiguity.

Touching on the negative impact of the practices of the LGBTQI+, Apostle Prof Opoku Onyinah said that there is enough evidence to show that the lives of many young persons have been ruined in the countries where they operate. “The lives of the youths who are future leaders of these countries are being destroyed,” citing the Gay, Lesbian Medical Association website to back his statement. He added: “We learn from peoples and countries’ success stories but not their destructive stories. He, therefore, called on all concerned Ghanaians to rise to resist the activities of the movement.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, who represented the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, disclosed that a group called ‘MPs Against LGBTQI+’ has been formed in Parliament which has issued a statement on the floor of the House against the activities of the LGBTQI+ movement in Ghana.

He stated that the group is introducing a Private Members’ Bill which will once and for all define what Carnal Knowledge and Homosexuality are. “We Christians should pray that the Bill will go through smoothly so that we will have it passed by the close of the year. We pray that no MP will oppose the Bill,” he said, adding, “The Speaker of Parliament has graciously agreed to meet with us including the clergy to start the process of the Private Members’ Bill. He has given his full blessing to the Bill.”

“Fighting this battle cannot be done alone by us in Parliament. The movement will do everything they can to frustrate us because it is an end-time thing. We should brace ourselves up for the battle ahead,” the MP pointed out.

The Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam, Dr Mohammed Marzuk Abubakar Azindoo, declared the Chief Imam and the Muslim community’s support for the effort by the Christian community to nib the activities of the LGBTQI+ movement in the bud. He called for clear-cut legislation to criminalise the practice of LGBTQI+ in the country.

There were solidarity messages from the traditional authorities represented by the Ga State and the Journalists Against LGBTGI+.

PENTECOST NEWS.

The Pentecost Hospital–Tarkwa, in the Western Region has organised its maiden retirement and awards ceremony for deserving staff.

Speaking at the event which took place on October 9, 2020, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Tarkwa auditorium, the Board Chairman of the hospital, Elder Prof. Sulemana Alhassan, eulogized the only retiree staff, Ms. Mary Zumana, for her invaluable service to the facility. According to him, Madam Zumana’s service to the facility will not be in vain.

Elder Prof. Alhassan entreated the facility to continue raising exceptional staff to continue the race of making the hospital the most preferred facility in Tarkwa and its environs.

Various awards were presented to Madam Zumana in appreciation of her contribution to the hospital.

The General Manager, Pastor Dr. Suleman De-Graft Issaka, on his part, stressed the need for workers to take some rest, indicating that God Himself rested when He finished creation. “It is not all about the work, sometimes there is the need to take enough rest,” he stated.

Other deserving staff were recognised for their diligent service to the hospital. There were: Rebecca Adomah of the Maternity/Midwives unit who emerged the Overall Best Staff. Other awardees were Dr. Genevieve Brown (Prescriber), Prince Nkum (Physio Unit), Emmanuel Boakye (Orderlies unit), Wilberforce Donkor (Finance unit), Mr. Dominic Arkoh (Stores department), and Philip Adoko (Security unit).

The rest were Melody Dzebu Tawiah (Pharmacy unit), Moses Rawson Kwaw (Health Information/Records department), Frank Nkrumah Kwakye (RCH/Community Health/Nutrition), Elder John Bosco Blay (Administration unit), and Miss. Catherine Opoku Konadu (Nurses (OPD/Wards).

The then Tarkwa Area Head, Apostle John Appiah Aidoo, was represented by Pastor Charles Nyarko of PIWC Tarkwa, Pastor Abraham Nana Bamfo Oppong (Area Youth Pastor) and Pastor Eric Abeeku Quainoo (Tarkwa Sector PENSA Travelling Secretary).

Report by Jennifer Deloris Annang.

The 2021 Fire Conference of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Kasoa in the Downtown-Ofaakor Area of The Church of Pentecost, began on Monday, March 15, with a powerful ministration by the Area Head, Apostle Dr. Ben Ali.

Preaching on the theme for the conference, “Let The Fire Fall” – 1 Kings 18:36-39, Acts1:8, Apostle Dr. Ali stated that baptism “in” the Holy Spirit which is done by Jesus Christ (Mark 1:8) is an essential element that energises the believer for service. He added that without it, it would be difficult for Christians to function (Acts1:8).

He further explained that baptism “of” the Holy Spirit is the same as being born again, regeneration, new life (Matthew 3:11), and that without this experience one cannot qualify as a follower of Jesus Christ. This experience, according to him, is “non-negotiable.”

According to him, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are received by faith (Galatians 3:2). “When the Holy Spirit comes into your life, He gives you tools (gifts) to function (1 Corinthians 12:8-10),” he stated, adding, “These tools (gifts) are for the benefit of the body of Christ. The gifts of the Spirit are for purposes of helping the Church and not for self-aggrandizement.”

Apostle Dr. Ali testified of how his dead son was raised back to life by the power of the Holy Spirit working through him.

He stated that every believer receives faith the very day he/she accepts Jesus as their Lord and Saviour (Galatians 3:22). “Resultantly, you don’t pray for faith as a believer; you exercise it! (Matthew 21:21-22),” he pointed out, adding, “You exercise your faith daily by dwelling on the Word, studying the Scriptures, and committing to prayer. Precept upon precepts the foundations shall be laid.”

Apostle Dr. Ben Ali concluded by saying that “the believer must endeavour to constantly exercise his/her faith because the longer you live ordinarily like a person not born of the Spirit, the more doubts gain some grounds in your life, hence opening the door to fear.

“Anything done without faith is a sin (Romans 14:23b), so the believer cannot afford to live outside of his/her faith.”

This year’s conference which ends on Sunday, March 21, has the host minister, Pastor Isaac Annor; Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse of Doblo Gonno District, and Overseer Jonathan Ebo Quaye of Domeabra District as other speakers.

Report by PIWC Kasoa Media.

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, has advised Christians to wake up and save every dying situation in their Christian life.

Addressing church officers at the Anyaa Zone of the Anyaa-Ablekuma Area as part of the 2021 Apostolisation programme, Apostle Gakpetor revealed that “revival cannot come when certain things are not done right. So, it is about time we sat up and dealt with all those things that are killing our Christian lifestyle.”  

Apostle Gakpetor identified some of the things that hinder revival and church growth and also kill the spiritual life of Christians. He cautioned believers to be wary of such acts and make every effort to eradicate them entirely from their lives.

Among the things that retard revival, he mentioned, are when believers or the church loses the zeal of evangelism, when the church ceases to pray together, and when the church ceases to discipline members who sin. He said that God hates sin, so a church full of sinners will not see revival.

He further stated that when the church refuses to raise godly leaders, that church will eventually quench its fire. He, therefore, entreated churches and leaders not to trade on leadership, saying, “Leadership should not be bought.”

The Anyaa-Ablekuma Area Head pleaded with church leaders and Christians as a whole to eschew negative tendencies that will hinder the revival that they are yearning for and quench the fire in them.

Supporting his sermon with scriptures from Revelations 3:1-6, he implored Christians not to be like people who are generally seen to be doing well but in an actual sense spiritually dead. “Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain and are ready to die,” he stressed.

As a way of igniting the fire and getting the revival the church seeks, Apostle Samuel Gakpetor admonished Christians to repent from ways that quench the fire and live a life that will revive them.

Encouraging church leaders to be bold and take their positions to do what is expected of them, he stated, “Church leadership is a war, therefore, we must fight it and win.

“A leader must be vigilant and straighten all ways that seem crooked to ensure sanity in the church.”

Report by Alex Nana Owusu Nkrumah.

The Finance and Administration Director (FAD) of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Lawrence Otu Nyarko, has impressed upon Christians to be fervent in prayer, preach the word of God and give to support God’s work.

“These are the three pillars that a glorious church hinges on; prayer, preaching the word of God and paying tithes as well as offerings, including supporting ministers of God,” he said, adding, “God works in partnership with all three, and if one is broken, the church cannot stand.”

Apostle Otu Nyarko said this in a sermon on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) – Sakumono, to climax the Teshie-Nungua Area Apostolisation Week and the First Area Week celebration. 

Preaching on the theme, “A glorious church revived to offer,” he said that offering is very important unto the Lord, saying, “Abel did it very well and the fragrance of his offering was acceptable and pleasing unto the Lord.”

Reading from Ephesians 5:25-27, he stated that God wants Christians to be holy and blameless and that the Lord expects them to offer their lives first as a sacrifice, then their time and their substance.

He explained the importance of all the pillars to the growth of a revived church. Stressing on the third pillar of a glorious church which is paying tithes and offerings, Apostle Otu Nyarko emphasized the essence of giving oneself to the Lord fully and wholly, paying their tithes and ministering to men of God since they are the Levites in our time (Deuteronomy 10: 8-9, Numbers 18:20-21).

The Finance and Administration Director indicated that when a believer encounters the Lord, the light that is in the Lord is transmitted into that person, hence Christians are to affect the society with Christian/kingdom values.

The week-long Apostolisation programme was under the theme, “A glorious church revived to possess the nations. (Ephesians 3:21, 5:27, Hebrews 3:2). Various speakers, such as Apostle Rigwell Ato Addison (Rtd.), Pastors David Alex Adwere of Lashibi District, Captain Collins Badu Agyapong, of E. D. Aninkorah Worship Centre, Percy Nii Tackie Otoo of Odikoman District and Joshua Appiah of Teshie-Nungua Estate District, took turns to minister at the PIWC-Sakumono.

Report by Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene

The Adukrom District in the Koforidua Area of The Church of Pentecost has organised its second Homecoming and fundraising ceremony in a grand style. The fundraising was in aid of the church’s ongoing building project

The celebration which was dubbed, “A Glorious Church Revived to Build a House for God’’ – Ephesians 3:21, Nehemiah 2:17-18, took place from 15^th to 21^st February 2021.

Highlights of the weeklong activities included fasting and prayers, health and business talk, clean-up exercise, fundraising and special thanksgiving service.  

The glamorous event was attended by many dignitaries including Apostle Samuel Osei Asante (Koforidua Area Head/Executive Council Member), Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (Finance and Administration Director at the Headquarters), Apostle Michael Collins Asiedu (Rtd.), and Apostle David Yeboah Asare (Rtd.).

Others were Hon. Dan Kwaku Botwe (Minister Designate for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Okere Constituency), Elder Dr. Ken Aboah, Elder Dr. Emmanuel Kwasi Mireku (Gospel Artiste), Elder Samuel Larbi Darko, Elder Emmanuel Donkor, Elder Samuel Larbi Gyampo (Queens New York), among others.

In a short remark, the Koforidua Area Head, Apostle Samuel Osei Asante, called on all and sundry, especially natives of the town to support the church building project, both financially and materially.

Apostle Lawrence Otu-Nyarko (FAD), on his part, noted that God works through humans for His glorification. In possessing the nations for Christ, he indicated that the church has a duty to put up a building to contain the members and the souls won for Christ.

Apostle Michael Collins Asiedu (Rtd.), who was the second Minister of the District, from 1989-1993, appealed to all natives of the district to join this worthy cause of building the new church auditorium.

Pastor Francis Broni (District Minister) gave details of the state of the project and how the building would look like after completion. He said that the project will be a storey building with a seating capacity of more than 1,200 people. It will also have three children’s apartments, a lactation apartment for nursing mothers, a conference room, an audio-visual apartment, a sound control room, washrooms, baptistry and offices.

Pastor Broni encouraged all ministers of the church as well as officers and members who hail from Adukrom and its environs to support the project.

The Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Dan Botwe, promised to support the project and volunteered to become the project ambassador. He expressed his appreciation to The Church of Pentecost for the tremendous work it is doing in the country. He further commended the Church for putting up police stations, modern prison facilities, health centres and other interventions in various parts of the country.

The MP was particularly grateful to the Church for the support that it extended to the Government and people of Ghana in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by giving out the Pentecost Convention Centre to the Government as an Isolation Centre.

Report by Isaac Agyei, Adukrom.